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Alexa - Echo Dot - interesting things it can do for you.

(12 Posts)
Tottylimejuice Sun 29-Oct-17 09:46:01

We like ours, but we are still finding interesting things it does, so I wonder if it would be worthwhile listing any you find so we can share the knowledge, for example:
“Alexa!, Play Train My Brain” (it should be noted that her pronunciation leaves a lot to be desired and she often says you are wrong when you are right).
“Alexa!, Whats Up” plays a snippet of the news headlines and local weather.
“Tell me a joke”
“Tell me a kids joke”
I for one would love to have some more tips and uses from you all, perhaps we can share our know how of this little piece of equipment, thanks.

Anniebach Sun 29-Oct-17 10:12:38

Wish I knew what they are

NanKate Sun 29-Oct-17 10:59:12

Alexa put on Tennis Radio on Tune In
Alexa what is the weather today ?
Alexa put on meditation music. (I did this yesterday afternoon and I dozed nicely to the music)
Alexa put on a 10 minute timer
Alexa play music from the 1960s.

Sometimes I have to make the same request in a slightly different order if it doesn't recognise a song I know is available.

I will try and think of a few more.

Primrose65 Sun 29-Oct-17 11:06:18

I love the Ocado and Uber skills.
Planning on upgrading to the echo plus for the living room as I've got some hue lights. I'm slightly worried that I enjoy bossing my home around! grin

Charleygirl Sun 29-Oct-17 11:15:12

I find it very useful as a timer and I am frequently asking for weather updates.

I agree, sometimes it tells me that it cannot play music but it is the way I have worded the command. I am slowly learning.

hildajenniJ Sun 29-Oct-17 12:55:33

I've asked Alexa to play me songs from the 60's. What a lovely trip down memory lane! I installed radio player so that I can listen to stations that tune-in can't play.
I have: 20 Questions
The Magic Door ( interactive storytelling for the DGC)
Ditty (also for the DGC)
When I'm feeling a bit bleugh I can ask the horn section to play me a fanfare, always guaranteed to cheer me up.
I also like the flash briefing in the morning, and also the daily fact. Say "Alexa,good morning" and she gives you a fact for the day.
I'm waiting for allrecipes to become available in the UK. I have Jamie Oliver's recipes, but don't use them very often.

Tottylimejuice Sun 29-Oct-17 13:56:13

Hilda......I want a Fanfare...I’ve tried, what do you actually say to Alexa?

HildaW Sun 29-Oct-17 15:07:30

Just a word of warning....DD and her family bought one last year as a family Christmas present.....first thing the 8 year old did was ask if there was such a thing as Father Christmas!

hildajenniJ Sun 29-Oct-17 18:06:27

Tottielimejuice, ask Alexa to enable fanfare. When it's enabled, just say "Alexa, ask the horn section to play me a fanfare. It's a bit of fun, and you usually get a different fanfare each to time.

Grannyknot Sun 29-Oct-17 18:16:48

I was visiting a friend who has one. He asked her/it "How much wood would a would chuck chuck if a wood chuck could chuck wood?" And it answered! Can't remember the answer now. I really didn't expect that!

Primrose65 Sun 29-Oct-17 21:07:06

grannyknot A woodchuck would chuck around 700lbs of wood a day with the wind at his back.
Now we know!

Grannyknot Sun 29-Oct-17 21:12:26

grin